2013 NYIAS Unveiled: 2015 Audi S3, A3 Sedans

Audi hosted a special sneak preview of the next-generation S3 and A3 sedans in a worldwide webcast on the eve of the press preview days for the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

Aside from the high-performance S3 model, the all-new A3 will be available in 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI clean diesel trims. Audi of America also confirmed that the A3 Sportback with a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV) model will be available in the U.S. market.

The exterior of the A3 has been completely redesigned. The Audi A3 is 175.5 inches in length and has a 103.4-inch wheelbase. Its 70-inch width and 55.7-inch height give the sporty-looking A3 a low, compact and aerodynamic look. The new signature Singleframe grille and available full-LED headlights are a first for the A-segment.

The base model of the all-new Audi A3 comes equipped with standard features such as leather upholstery, Bluetooth technology, rain-sensing wipers, Audi pre sense basic and a panoramic glass sunroof. The A3 will also mark the first time that an A-segment vehicle will offer MMI technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen audio. The A3 will also boast some industry firsts, including the Audi phone box, a compartment located under the center armrest that boosts a mobile phone’s cellular coverage by wirelessly coupling to a specialized antenna in the rear windshield.

On the inside, the all-new Audi A3 features a “wraparound” dash design, which feels like it surrounds the driver and front passenger. The high-quality materials found in the A3 are the same found in Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8. The MMI operating system has an electronically extending screen, which is stored in the console of the center dashboard. It features a 7-inch high-resolution display that is less than half an inch thick. The new MMI controls are conveniently positioned behind the gear shift for driver ease of use.

Under the hood, the A3 model line offers four different engine variants, including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, and 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a low and high-output 2.0 TFSI used in the A3 quattro and S3 quattro, respectively. Horsepower figures for the 2.0 TFSI engines were not immediately available. All engines will be controlled by the standard 6-speed S tronic transmission, which provides shifting flexibility and smooth acceleration with virtually no interruption to the power flow.

The German automaker said that the all-new A3 sedan will be available in showrooms in the first quarter of 2014.

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